Summary: Significant differences were noted for most parameters measured (Tables 1 and 2). Lint turnout ranged from 25.8% to 30.2%. Lint yields varied from a low of 857 lb/acre to a high of 1335 lb/acre. Lint loan values varied from a low of $0.5023/lb to a high of $0.5580/lb. Micronaire ranged from a low of 4.2 units to a high of 5.2 units. After adding lint and seed value, total value for varieties ranged from a low of $515.84/acre to a high of $776.79/acre. When subtracting ginning and systems costs, the net value/acre among varieties ranged from $677.05 to $448.93, a difference of $228.12. These data indicate that substantial differences can be obtained in terms of net value/acre due to variety selection. It should be noted that no inclement weather was encountered in this trial prior to harvest. High intensity rainfall and/or high wind events were not experienced to potentially cause pre-harvest losses with the open boll picker-type varieties (FiberMax 989BG/RR, FiberMax 989RR, Stoneville 4793R, and Stoneville 4892BR) or the less-stormproof stripper type (Stoneville 2454R). Producers should take note that the harvest period optimum encountered in 2001 is not considered “normal” for the Texas High Plains. Additional multi-site and multi-year applied research is needed to evaluate varieties across a series of environments.

Objective: The objective of this project was to compare yields, gin turnout, and fiber quality of popular transgenic varieties and to determine the economics of transgenic varieties in producer-cooperator fields.

Materials and

Methods: Experimental design was a randomized complete block with 3 replications. The seeding rate was 17 lb seed/acre in 36-inch row spacing. Plot size was six 36-inch rows by approximately 300 feet long (circular rows due to pivot). Varieties were planted on May 17, 2001. Prowl was applied preplant incorporated at 2.5 pt/acre in a terminated small grains cover-crop system. Roundup Ultra Max was applied over-the-top on June 11 at 26 oz/acre.

LEPA irrigation:April:1.50″

May:2.40″

June:4.30″

July:5.60″

August:5.20″

September:1.00″

Rainfall: April: 0.00″ July: 0.10″

May:1.50″August:1.70″

June:0.50″September:2.20″

Total moisture available to the crop was approximately 26 acre-inches.

Temik (gypsum formulation) was applied at a rate of 4 lb/acre at planting. Orthene was applied at 4 oz/acre on July 12 for fleahopper control. Steward was applied at 11 oz/acre for beet armyworms on July 17. One application of malathion was made in late August by the boll weevil eradication program. Nitrogen fertilizer was applied through the pivot in increments of 20 lb N/acre using 32-0-0 on June 21, June 22, and on July 3, for a total of 60 lb N/acre. Harvest-aid treatment included a tank mix of Prep at 1.33 pt/acre and Def at 1 pt/acre applied on October 10. The center two rows of each plot were harvested on November 7 with a John Deere two-row plot stripper with a weigh basket equipped with digital scales. Grab samples were taken from each plot and ginned at the Texas A&M Center at Lubbock to determine gin turnouts. Lint samples were submitted to the International Textile Center (ITC) at Texas Tech University for HVI analysis, and USDA Loan values were determined for each variety by plot. Ginning costs were based on $1.55 per cwt. of bur cotton and $85/ton for seed. Ginning costs do not include bagging, ties and checkoff. Systems costs were determined by variety per acre using manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for seed, and appropriate technology fees for Bollgard and/or Roundup Ready based on the 17 lb/acre seeding rate.

Results and

Discussion: Significant differences were noted for most parameters measured (Tables 1 and 2). Lint turnout ranged from 25.8% to 30.2%. Lint yields varied from a low of 857 lb/acre to a high of 1335 lb/acre. Lint loan values varied from a low of $0.5023/lb to a high of $0.5580/lb. Micronaire ranged from a low of 4.2 units to a high of 5.2 units. After adding lint and seed value, total value/acre for varieties ranged from a low of $515.84 to a high of $776.79. When subtracting ginning and systems costs, the net value/acre among varieties ranged from $677.05 to $448.93, a difference of $228.12. These data indicate that substantial differences can be obtained in terms of net value/acre due to variety selection. It should be noted that no inclement weather was encountered in this trial prior to harvest. High intensity rainfall and/or high wind events were not experienced to potentially cause pre-harvest losses with the open boll picker-type varieties (FiberMax 989BG/RR, FiberMax 989RR, Stoneville 4793R, and Stoneville 4892BR) or the less-stormproof stripper type (Stoneville 2454R). Producers should take note that the harvest period optimum encountered in 2001 is not considered “normal” for the Texas High Plains. Additional multi-site and multi-year applied research is needed to evaluate varieties across a series of environments.

Acknowledgments: The authors express appreciation to Western Peanut Growers Association for providing land and resources for the project. Appreciation is also expressed to Dr. Scott Armstrong for assistance with harvest and to Ben Carreon for his cooperation at Western Peanut Growers Farm. The Plains Cotton Growers/Plains Cotton Improvement Program and Cotton Incorporated provided funding for this work. Companies providing support included: AFD, Levelland Delinting-All-Tex, Aventis Crop Science-FiberMax, Delta and Pine Land- Paymaster, Griffin, Monsanto, Stoneville Texas, and Syngenta. Student workers Bryan Hawkins, Clay Ashley, Jason Jarrell, and Corey Lowrance are also recognized. Gratitude is also expressed to Dr. John Gannaway, cotton breeder with the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station.

Disclaimer Clause: Trade names of commercial products used in this report are included only for better understanding and clarity. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Texas A&M University System is implied. Readers should realize that results from one experiment do not represent conclusive evidence that the same response would occur where conditions vary.Table 1

Contact

AgriLife Bookstore

AgriLife Extension's online Bookstore offers educational information and resources related to our many areas of expertise and programming; from agriculture, horticulture, and natural resources to nutrition, wellness for families and youth, and much more.